George Michael is "improving steadily" from his bout of pneumonia, according to the Austrian doctors treating him.

The 48-year-old singer was taken into Vienna's AKH hospital after he became ill last week and was forced to axe the rest of his tour.

Doctors said he had been in intensive care because of the "severity and extension" of the illness.

They made clear that he will need a period of "complete rest" to recover from the illness but emphasised he had no further underlying health problems.

In a statement, Gottfried Locker and Christoph Zielinski said: "The latest development in Mr Michael's case, which has evolved from a severe pneumococcal infection, necessitated intensive care due to its severity and extension.

"We are happy to announce that Mr Michael is improving steadily with an impressive regression of pneumonic symptoms and follows a steady rate of improvement as hoped.

"There are no other health issues with regards to the patient other than the underlying pneumonic disorder, and no further measures had to be taken."

They continued: "Mr Michael is receiving precisely the same treatment as any ordinary patient in Austria would receive at the hospital for this disease."

The medics said "complete rest and peace and quiet are mandatory" for his recovery.